We all have particular educators we remember fondly. We likely have the privilege of being those people for many children, too. We remember those who were kind and funny and others who championed us and celebrated us as we journeyed.
As educators, we hope that we might have impacted our learners in some way, taught them something other than times tables and how to read and write. We hope that in our short year together, there's been trust and growth, and flourishing, that learning and living together has been joyful.
These were my aspirations as a beginning educator. They’re beautiful aspirations, for sure, but I now understand my purpose to be much greater. This knowing comes from reflecting on my own journey as a learner, both as a child and educator. In deeply considering my truth and my journey I can’t help but feel so deeply in my bones that everything I am and have achieved is a direct result of Believing Eyes.
You see, Believing Eyes have watched over me since that day in Year Eleven. In my case, it wasn’t just a single pair, but many. Educators who empowered me through deeply seeing me and hearing my voice. They didn’t pave the way for me but rather, they gave me opportunities – many too bold and terrifying at first glance. The very act of offering, prompting a journey of self-discovery and awakening me to my truth and to a new narrative identity.
Many educators have seen in me that which I was yet to see in myself – many continue to. I have mustered great courage from feeling their belief, from being deeply seen and heard. When our perceived potential is illuminated by another we develop the courage to shift that potential which we realise. There's a transformative power. We all want our learners to flourish, to embrace our belief in them as they journey. We must provide opportunities that illuminate their potential – it’s then that they might boldly step into it.
Remaining unseen and unheard is to remain uncelebrated – our gifts lay hidden and our flourishing is limited. Stepping into our potential is a courageous act of self-discovery. That who we thought we were is challenged. We mustn't ignore our potential in favour of maintaining order. Through chaos and courageously walking the unknown path, our realised potential is shifted, we find that it is endless. Our gift to ourselves and others is unearthing it.
Today, I am my own storyteller; I am heard and deeply seen. I have been transformed by opportunities gifted to me, by the Believing Eyes championing me. My legacy is in doing the same for others.
Next: Our Legacy
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